Offering new perspectives on the natural world is often my favorite part of my work as an interpretive naturalist. I am looking forward to this course as I think photography (and macro photography in particular) allows us to create and share unique perspectives and connections between the viewer, photographer, and subject.

I am particularly interested in exploring new technologies as platforms for environmental education, or interpretation. As I have progressed in this degree program, I have begun thinking about a career in science writing or podcasting. I hope to develop some skill in composition during this class and it would be great to take photographs to accompany my writing or to use in social media marketing, developing a website or in creating short films.

While I have no previous experience in photography, I enjoy observing nature and often take close-up photos while on hikes or in natural areas. For the last several years, we have replaced our annual Christmas card with a photo slideshow set to music and "nature" photos often appear in among pictures of family celebrations.

I plan to borrow my husband's Pentax K-30, Canon S90, and tripod to help me collect images throughout the course. I look forward to spending more time focused on nature!